Friday, June 12, brought major news for Clemson Tigers wide receiver Tristan Smith, who secured his eligibility for the 2026 season. Grateful for the outcome, Smith made sure to thank everyone who helped make the long-awaited decision a reality.

“I would also love to shoot a very special thanks to thepeperlawfirm. They worked very hard on my case and kept me updated and uplifted throughout the six months I have been working with them,” wrote Smith on his Instagram story, tagging the law firm that helped him throughout the process.

After the NCAA denied his request for a fifth season, Smith challenged the decision by filing a lawsuit in January, claiming inconsistent treatment given that similar waivers had been granted to other junior college players.

Judge Jessica A. Salvini, in her ruling, highlighted the same inconsistency by the NCAA when it came to eligibility cases.

She expressed that former junior college standout Malik Benson was granted a fifth season at Oregon in 2025 after spending two years at the Junior College (JUCO) level.

“The only material distinction the Court can identify between Mr. Benson’s case and the instant matter is that Mr. Smith’s final Division I season falls in 2025-26 rather than 2024-25,” Salvini said, as reported by Field Level Media.

The NCAA did grant former JUCO players in the 2024-25 class a blanket extra year of eligibility after Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia won a lawsuit against the NCAA. However, this was not available to the 2026 class of players, such as Smith.

While Tristan Smith expressed his gratitude in an Instagram Story today. Smith’s attorney, Darren Heitner, posted on X after Friday’s ruling, “Big win for our client...The NCAA’s arbitrary application of its Five-Year Rule didn’t hold up. Justice for Tristan!”

With him winning the lawsuit and back in the game, what does Clemson's receiver room look like?

Smith's Eligibility Reshuffles Clemson's Receiver Depth Chart

Juniors Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore are the clear starters for the team, with each posting back-to-back 500-yard seasons. Both of them have the potential to reach 1000 yards, and this season, they will certainly try to.

That said, no Clemson wide receiver has recorded a 1,000-yard season since 2020, when Amari Rodgers accomplished the feat.

The battle for the third receiver spot will likely come down to junior Tyler Brown, Tristan Smith, and true freshman Naeem Burroughs. Speaking of Brown, he is looking to bounce back, trying to bring his 2023 production back, where he led the team in receiving yards in receptions and receiving yards.

The other two freshmen Clemson picked up were Gordon Sellars III and Connor Salmin. Both of them are looking good in their game.

Wth Smith’s inclusion on the team, many analysts like Griffin Barfield from SI expect him to play a larger role in 2026 thanks to his size, experience, and veteran presence.

Do you think Smith will have more starts this season?

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi